Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Streptophyta

Class: Equisetopsida

Subclass: Magnoliidae

Order: Commelinales

Family: Commelinaceae

Genus: Murdannia

Species: spirata

Discription: Asiatic Dewflower is a small annual herb, with erect stems, rooting at lower nodes. Alternately arranged stalkless leaves are 1-3 cm long. Lower ones are linear-lanceshaped, upper ones oblong, heart-shaped, stem-clasping. Flowers are borne in branched panicles. Flowers are blue, carried on 2 cm long stalks. Flowers have 3 rounded petals and 3 fertile stamens with bearded filaments. Filaments of staminoides are naked. Capsules are 2-3 mm across round. Asiatic Dewflower is occasionally found in the grasslands of Western Ghats. It is also found in the Himalayas, at altitudes of 550-1800 m. Phenology: September.

Uses: Murdannia spirata is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and homes. It is also used as a ground cover and to create a natural privacy screen or hedge, as it grows quickly and is easy to maintain.